Faculty and Staff Assistance Program

The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is a free and confidential counseling, consultation, and referral service that assists employees in resolving personal, work-related, and family problems.

FSAP serves employees of UMass Amherst, Amherst/Pelham public schools, and the UMass Five College Federal Credit Union. Immediate family members are also eligible. All FSAP services are a benefit and voluntary.

Services

FSAP counselors listen, help sort through concerns, feelings and goals, and will work with people to find solutions. There are no arbitrary service limits; we work with each person to determine the help he or she needs. Some problems may be resolved in one or two meetings and others can take a little longer. There are also those problems which may require an individualized referral for more specialized services.

The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program counselors are experienced in working with people who are struggling with an array of life challenges, including, but not limited to:

stress and anxiety

marital, family or relationship difficulties

parenting and eldercare

substance abuse and other addictions

medical concerns

financial or legal problems

career issues

loss and grief

trauma

fear

anger

bullying

workplace conflict

workplace violence

intimate partner violence

Any circumstance that is of concern to you is appropriate to discuss with a counselor at FSAP. Read more in the FSAP brochure [PDF].

Location and Hours:

202-205 Middlesex House
111 County Circle
Amherst, MA 01003-9288

By Appointment: Call (413) 545-0350

Monday through Friday 9AM-5PM

Who will know I’m using FSAP?

The FSAP maintains strict confidentiality; records are completely separate from medical or personnel files and no information is released without your written permission, except where subject to mandatory disclosure laws regarding child abuse, danger to self or others, or court order. If it’s difficult to make an appointment during work hours, call (413) 545-0350 at any time and leave a confidential voice mail message with a phone number and time you can be reached.

Can I get work-release time?

Work-release time can be used for FSAP appointments with prior approval from your supervisor, or you can use vacation or sick time to maintain privacy. Work-release time may not be used for referral appointments with outside providers.

Can my supervisor make me go?

No. The FSAP is a free benefit for covered employees and is completely voluntary. Supervisors concerned about an employee’s performance are encouraged to recommend the FSAP; often, employees share information about this resource with their colleagues. Remember that FSAP services are confidential. No information will be disclosed to supervisors unless the client signs a written release.

Contact Us

For information, to make an appointment or schedule a presentation, call (413) 545-0350. The FSAP is located on the second floor: 202-205 Middlesex House, 111 County Circle. Hours are by appointment, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.